A Truly Great Panel Show (Have I got News for You)

Member Name: SmilingBuddha

Product:	Have I got News for You
Date:	30/06/09 (20 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Witty banter, Enflated egos get burst, Informative, Unique & entertaining perspectives

Disadvantages: Occasionally poor guests

Have I Got News for You? is a news-based panel show originally broadcast in 1990 and has been running for 38 seasons. I truly adore this show even though I only began watching at about series 30.

The format of the show is fairly standard, there is one chairman who reads out the questions and gives out points etc. positioned in the middle then the team captains Ian and Paul with their respective guest sat either side.

After some opening gags, we begin the main section which comprises of several rounds. The first round, is the "Film Round" in which they play a silent clip and the contestants offer their commentary and attempt to identify the news stories depicted. Next is the "Headline Round" where they identify the news story from the headline and then the "Odd one out Round" where they display four images and have the contestants select the one that doesn't fit.

Finally, the straight forward "Missing Words Round" that involves the contestants guessing the missing words from an extract taken from an hilariously obscure magazine.

After the scores are read out, the show usually concludes with a caption competition where they display a photo and contestants offer their amusing captions followed by some closing gags by the chairman.

These are by no means set in stone and often change due to editing.

The show had originally kicked off with Angus Deayton as the permanent chairman but after a scandal involving prostitutes he was fired after twelve years in the post. Understandable as it would have made the show much more difficult, as how could he mock politicians for their sleazy lifestyle when they would simply throw it back in his face. In fact during his final episode the poor guy was absolutely ripped to shreds by Ian and Paul so there was certainly no dignity in his departure.

Since his untimely axing the chairman's seat is filled by a guest, most famously Boris Johnson who has been in a good few times.

Ian Hislop, editor of satirical magazine Private Eye, is capable of mercilessly tearing into inflated egos or just anyone he particularly dislikes and it makes for some sadistically brilliant viewing as we watch the politicians squirm.

Pokerfaced king of one-liners Paul Merton offers his unique brand of surreal humour and wordplay. His imaginative quirky stories and impeccable improv skills are particularly noteworthy.

Together they make a perfect team and even though both members of the duo routinely mock their competitor, it is clear they are both deeply fond of each other and it shows.

The guests they manage to find are for the most part top quality although there are occasionally a few duds that just sit there like potatoes and have to be prompted for any input. Some are clearly there just to get ripped apart but that's fine as long as they do - and they always do.

Compared to similar panel shows like Mock the Week and 8 Out of 10 Cats, HIGNFY feels (at least to me) much more highbrow as the often risque jokes can be quite cleverly crafted and reference to people/things some might consider obscure.

If you have not yet watched the Boris Johnson episodes then I strongly urge you to, as they are all the more funny now that he is Mayor of London.

Summary: Long running hilarious panel show.